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Rockville, MD Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Rockville usually comes around Apr 11 and the first fall frost around Nov 7, a growing season of about 210 days. Start tomatoes indoors Feb 28 – Mar 14 and plant them outside Apr 25 – May 9.

Last spring frostApr 11
First fall frostNov 7
Growing season210 days

When to plant vegetables in Rockville

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesFeb 28 – Mar 14Apr 25 – May 9—
PeppersFeb 21 – Mar 7May 2 – May 16—
EggplantFeb 21 – Mar 7May 2 – May 16—
Cucumbers—Apr 25 – May 9—
Zucchini & summer squash—Apr 25 – May 9—
Pumpkins & winter squash—May 2 – May 16—
Green beans—Apr 25 – May 9Aug 15 – Aug 29
Sweet corn—Apr 25 – May 9—
BasilMar 14 – Mar 28Apr 25 – May 9—
LettuceFeb 14 – Feb 28Mar 14 – Apr 25Sep 12 – Sep 26
Spinach—Feb 28 – Mar 21Sep 12 – Sep 26
Peas—Feb 28 – Mar 21Aug 29 – Sep 12
Carrots—Mar 14 – Apr 18Aug 15 – Aug 29
Radishes—Mar 7 – Apr 25Sep 26 – Oct 10
BroccoliJan 31 – Feb 14Mar 14 – Mar 28Aug 15 – Aug 29
KaleFeb 14 – Feb 28Mar 7 – Mar 21Aug 29 – Sep 12
Onions—Mar 14 – Mar 28—
Potatoes—Mar 21 – Apr 18—
Garlic——Oct 24 – Nov 28

Dates count from the median frost dates (2016–2025) for Rockville. In a cold spring, wait a week; in a warm one you can go a week early.

Month-by-month planting in Rockville

  1. JanuaryStart indoors: Broccoli
  2. FebruaryStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Lettuce, Broccoli, KalePlant outside: Spinach, Peas
  3. MarchStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, BasilPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale, Onions, Potatoes
  4. AprilPlant outside: Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil, Lettuce, Carrots, Radishes, Potatoes
  5. MayPlant outside: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Pumpkins & winter squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil
  6. JunePlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  7. JulyPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  8. AugustPlant outside: Green beans, Peas, Carrots, Broccoli, Kale
  9. SeptemberPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Radishes, Kale
  10. OctoberPlant outside: Radishes, Garlic
  11. NovemberPlant outside: Garlic
  12. DecemberPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.

Tools for this season

Seed starting kitTrays with humidity domes for starting seeds indoors.See options on AmazonLED grow lightKeeps indoor seedlings short and sturdy.See options on AmazonFrost clothCovers tender plants on a surprise frost night.See options on AmazonSoil thermometerCheck the soil at 4 inches before you spread anything.See options on Amazon

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Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Rockville?

The median last spring frost is Apr 11 and the median first fall frost is Nov 7, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Rockville?

Start seeds indoors Feb 28 – Mar 14 and set plants outside Apr 25 – May 9, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Rockville?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Nov 7): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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